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Is It Uncomfortable to Have Upper Eyelid Surgery with Just Local Pain Medication?

asked 1 year ago by rebric in albertville, al
Latest answer by Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Question viewed 526 times
Tags: comparison, local anesthesia, medication

I will be taking one hydrocodone/apap 7.5/500mg tablet and one diazepam 10 mg 1/2 hour prior to the surgery and given a local numbing injection. Do you know from your experience if this a comfortable option compared to general sedation? Plus have you performed this surgery without the protective eye lens cover?

24 answers to Is It Uncomfortable to Have Upper Eyelid Surgery with Just Local Pain Medication?

+2

Upper Eyelid Surgery with Local

Upper Eyelid Surgery can easily be performed with local anesthesia. We usually perform this procedure in our fully accredited office based surgical suites with oral sedation and local anesthesia. We have never had a problem with this combination. Performing the procedure in this fashion eliminates any of the potential side effects or risks of general anesthesia.
Jerome Potozkin, MD

Walnut Creek Dermatologic Surgeon
+2

Local anesthesia for blepharoplasty

This really depends on the patient's tolerance, but an upper lid blepharoplasty can certainly be done under local anesthesia alone. I have done this on a number of occasions, as this is sometimes a safer approach for the patient. The majority of my patients choose to have some iv sedation for their upper lid blepharoplasty. Eye shields are not necessary in upper lid blepharoplasty, as long as the surgeon is careful.
Ryan Greene, MD, PhD

Fort Lauderdale Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Upper blepharoplasty with local anesthesia

Upper blepharoplasty may be performed with local anesthesia alone, sedation (oral or IV) with local anesthesia or with general anesthesia. All three are safe methods. Which of the three methods used is based on surgeon comfort and patient preference. I usually perform upper blepharoplasties under local anesthesia with some sedation. With a local anesthetic, the procedure is not painful, but the patient is aware of what is going on. Depending on how anxious the patient is, I offer them an... more
Sarmela Sunder, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Local is not as comfortable as general anesthesia for eyelid surgery

I have been a plastic and cosmetic surgeon for over 20 years and local anesthesia for upper eyelid surgery is doable but you will not be as comfortable as you would be with a geeral anesthetic. You will feel the local infiltration, tissue as it is touched (not pain), hear the sounds of cutting, cautery as well as the general sounds of the OR and operating room staff. If you are attempting to avoid the general anesthetic for some reason, the local can be done but it is no... more
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Upper eyelid surgery and anesthesia

The type of anesthesia used is patient dependent. Most patients can tolerate upper blepharoplasty under local sedation with or without oral medications in an office setting. To be on the safe side, eye shields can be used for patients who are extremely nervous or highly sensitive to pain to prevent accidental damage to the eye.
Adam J. Cohen, MD

Skokie Oculoplastic Surgeon
+2

Corneal shield for upper eyelid surgery

I don't use corneal shields with eyelid surgery. I find them occasionally uncomfortable for the patient and generally unnecessary. They, too, can cause scratches or irritation during placement and removal. Although I typically perform blepharoplasty with patients asleep, local with some pre-op sedation is usually fine in the properly selected patient. Pain after blepharoplasty is similarly minimal. Most of my upper blepharoplasty patients will take Tylenol or nothing for pain control... more
David C. Pearson, MD

Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Upper Eyelid Surgery Performed With Local Anesthesia

Hello, Upper eyelid surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia. It really depends on the desire of the patient. The combination you describe is tolerable for surgery. I do not use the eye lens cover, but some surgeons do. Thank you, and I hope this helps answer your question. Dr. Nassif
Paul S. Nassif, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Anesthesia for lid surgery

Lid surgery is often done under light sedation with oral or intravenous medications. Some patients also undergo surgery with just local lidocaine and do fine. It depends on how comfortable you feel- if you want intravenous sedation I'm sure your surgeon can accomadate you but it increases the cost. Most oculoplastics surgeons do this surgery with the patient slightly awake so that you can open your eyes during surgery which helps ensure symmetry.
Keshini Parbhu, MD

Orlando Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.orlandoeyeopener.com

+2

Upper eyelid surgery with local anesthetic alone is well tolerated by most patients

In my practice I screen prospective blepharoplasty patients based on whether they are comfortable receiving a local anesthetic injection (it is less painful than a dental injection, which most patients can relate to) and whether a procedure room setting is something they would rather not deal with. If the answer to either one is no, then intravenous sedation or general anesthetic are offered. Grigoriy Mashkevich, MD. New York Facial Plastic Surgeon.
Grigoriy Mashkevich, MD

Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Type of anesthesia and sedation for upper Blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid lift is relatively quick and without significant disturbance of the deeper structures. It can be done with local anesthesia and no sedation all the way to general anesthesia. What you choose depends on your comfort level and ability to sit still for a while and tolerate minor sticks to get the area numb. I would not suggest this if you are also having something done to the brows or the lower lids. Although use of eye shields is safer, there really is very little risk with... more
Robert T. Buchanan, MD

Highlands Plastic Surgeon
+2

Upper blepharoplasty is well tolerated with local anesthetic.

I read your concern. In my practice, the majority of patients with excessive upper eyelid skin require only skin and muscle removal. The only discomfort in upper blepharoplasty is when the medial fat-pad is removed. I have found that this is typically unnecessary, and if performed, may increase your risk of complications and lead to a hollow, "operated" result. Upper blepharoplasty takes around an hour, and local anesthetic is offered and well tolerated by my patients. I do not... more
Eric M. Joseph, MD

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Upper eyelid surgery without sedation

There are times when it is attractive to complete upper eyelid rejuvenation under a local anesthesia alone without any sedation. Depending on your temperament local can work out well. We plan sedation for most however as we feel it makes for a better experience. We do not use a lens protector for upper lid surgery. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Straight local, local with oral medication, and light iv sedation are all good.

The level of sedation is often dealers preference. Some surgeons are most comfortable with general anesthesia. However, there is really no need for anesthesia this deep. In addition, it is possible to have much more control over the surgery by having a patient who is able to follow commands. If you are nervous, the oral anxiolytic and analgesic reduce your nervousness, and pain sensitivity which is very helpful. A similar effect can be achieved with iv sedation... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
+2

ANESTHESIA FOR UPPER EYELID SURGERY

Local anesthesia is a safe and higher effective means for performing upper eyelid surgery.  From your statement you will be receiving oral sedation prior to receiving the local.  This will greatly reduce the perception of injection discomfort.  I see no reason not to precede with this approach.  A general anesthetic will require an anesthiologist and will definitely increase your costs.
Todd B. Koch, MD

Buffalo Plastic Surgeon
+2

Is It Uncomfortable to Have Upper Eyelid Surgery with Just Local Pain Medication?

It all depends on the patient whether local/sedation or general anesthesia is used. They all have worked for my patients very well but it is patient's choice. If done adequately, local anesthesia with oral sedatives and pain medication can be more comfortable than dental works for upper eyelid surgery.
Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO

Huntington Beach Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Eyelid surgery best done with sedation.

Hi. I don't know any board certified plastic surgeon who does blepharoplasty in New York City with just local anesthesia. There must be a reason . It is safer and more comfortable to have an anesthesiologist giving you sedation and monitoring you. It's an extra few hundred dollars that is a great investment.  Not only is it safer; if you are relaxed and not squirming, the surgeon can do a better job.  Even if there is no pain, it is very hard to be relaxed... more
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Local anesthesia eyelid surgery

I often perform eyelid surgery under local anesthesia.  Patients are comfortable throughout the whole process.  It can a better, safer option for many patients.  The most important factor is your surgeon's comfort level. Dr Taban
Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
+2

Anesthesia for upper eyelid surgery

Upper eyelid surgery can be performed under just local anesthesia or sedation or general anesthesia.  The decision is made by the surgeon and patient deciding what is best.  All 3 are appropriate.  You need to also help in the decision to determine what you feel is best for you.  I have done it all 3 ways and the most important decision maker is the type of patient and how anxious one may be.  You need to be comfortable.  Lens covers are not necessary for upper... more
Albert Dabbah, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

ALWAYS have protective corneal shield when having Blepharoplasty-Local Anesthesia tolerable for Upper Blepharoplasty

A corneal shield or cover for the eye is an essential safety practice when having eyelid surgery such as Blepharoplasty. Sharp instruments are used during eyelid surgery including suture needles and it is easy to inadvertently injure the Cornea-the important covering over the Iris-the colored pupil area. Local anesthesia is quite adequate for Upper Blepharoplasty but less so for Lower Blepharoplasty. Optimally I like to use Intravenous Sedation, with it you will not even remember the... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

+1

Eyelid Surgery Performed Comfortably Under Local Anesthesia

Generally upper eyelid surgery can be performed quite comfortably and safely under local anesthesia with addition of Valium sedative and pain medication. A large majority of patients will do well and tolerate this modality of anesthesia. The eye is easily well protected when an experienced blepharoplasty surgeon performs the surgery.
David Q. Santos, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Local Anesthesia for Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

In more than 20 years of experience I often perform upper eyelid blepharoplasty under local anesthesia with only a Valium pill by mouth. When injected with a gentle hand and a tiny needle patients most often find it easily tolerable. I have never seen a plastic surgeon use eye shields for isolated upper lid surgery.
Richard Sadove, MD

Gainesville Plastic Surgeon

www.sadovecosmeticsurgery.com

+1

West palm beach eyelid surgery

I now perform 90% of my upper lid blepharoplasties using only local anesthesia. while some of my patients prefer an oral medication prior to surgery to reduce anxiety, i usually perform the procedure with straight local anesthetic if the patient is not having any other facial procedures done simultaneously. the eyelids are closed during the procedure and i have not found an eyeshield to provide any additional benefit. whether to recommend local anesthesia will significantly depend... more
Anita Mandal, MD

Palm Beach Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

I perform most Upper Lid Blepharoplasty under Local Anesthesia

An upper lid blepharoplasty is a fairly easy procedure from a patient's perspective -- it is relatively quick and the most uncomfortably part is the injection of the local anesthetic. I, too, give a Valium tablet but don't bother with the hydrocodone. I never use an eyeshield. Some patients are nervous about having surgery while they are awake and, if it is a concern, I take them to the operating room. Most patients, however, prefer to have the procedure... more
Jonathan Sonne, MD

Naples Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Local Anesthesia is OK for Upper Eyelid Surgery

Rebric, I agree with most of the comments below.  You should be fine having upper eyelid surgery with local anesthesia and oral sedation.  Also, I routinely perform this surgery with no eyeshields.
Michael McCracken, MD

Boulder Oculoplastic Surgeon

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